Germany coach Joachim Loew on Thursday confirmed that seven of his Germany players are showing symptoms of illness in the buildup to Friday’s World Cup quarterfinal against France. Thenews comes only a few days after defender Mats Hummels was ruled out of the game against Algeria due to flu-like symptoms. The Germany coach on Thursday said the problem seemedto have spread, without naming specific players.
Gamesmanship from the German camp or…or true? Or a commentary on the water out of the faucets where they are staying? The vegetables prepared in the kitchen by, undoubtedly, a flown in German cooking staff? Hard to say. I’d err on the side of gamesmanship. Once Hummels went down, I would have thought close 24/7 medical/health monitoring of all German players immediately commenced. (The Germans have long memories and learn their lessons well. Things like Mexico in 1970 and 1986)